Kolkata's Recent Tremor Could Signal Impending Major Earthquake, Experts Warn
Geologists have issued a stark warning that the tremor felt in Kolkata on Friday afternoon may be a seismic precursor to a stronger earthquake brewing in the region. This alert comes amid a series of recent seismic activities that have heightened concerns among scientists and residents alike.
Seismic Activity Points to Growing Threat
Seismologist Shankar Nath, who serves as the vice-chancellor of Burdwan University, emphasized the significance of the recent events. "The quake that Kolkata experienced on Friday afternoon was a seismic precursor," Nath stated. "The region has witnessed several earthquakes in the past six months, indicating a major earthquake in the making." Nath, a former professor at IIT Kharagpur's department of geology and geophysics, highlighted that this pattern of low-intensity quakes could escalate into a more devastating event.
Details of Recent Earthquakes
The seismic activity began with a 5.5 magnitude earthquake at Nayabazar, approximately 100 km east of Kolkata, occurring at 1.22 pm on Friday. Prior to this, a 4.7 magnitude quake was recorded in Nepal, and West Sikkim experienced a 3.7 magnitude tremor an hour earlier. Additionally, Cachar in Assam had a 4.3 magnitude earthquake on Thursday, underscoring the widespread nature of the seismic unrest.
Activation of Geological Fault Zones
Nath explained that all geological fault zones have become active in the seismic region. Following a series of low-intensity earthquakes in Sikkim over the last six months, other fault zones in northeastern states, the Darjeeling Himalayas, and Nepal have also shown increased activity. "These can lead to a major earthquake," he added, pointing to the interconnected nature of these geological structures.
Expert Consensus on Prediction
Harendranath Bhattacharya, former professor of geology at Presidency University, supported Nath's observations. "One can predict a major tremor with near certainty, although it is difficult to say when it will happen," Bhattacharya noted. He warned that if a major earthquake strikes Sikkim, south Bengal, including Kolkata, could face significant impacts due to the region's vulnerability.
Impact of Friday's Earthquake
Bhattacharya detailed that Friday's earthquake in Bangladesh was of moderate intensity, but Kolkata felt tremors of around 3.5 magnitude because the epicenter was located only 10 km from the surface. This shallow depth amplified the effects in the city, making the tremor more perceptible to residents.
Complex Fault System in the Region
Experts have identified multiple faults that contribute to the seismic risk in the area, including:
- The Purulia-Bankura Western Bengal Basin marginal fault
- Damodar fault
- Calcutta-Mymensingh hinge zone or Eocene hinge zone
Additionally, plate shifts in the Shillong seismic zone, the Eastern boundary zone connecting Manipur, Mizoram, and Myanmar, and the Eastern Himalaya zone can further impact the region, creating a complex and hazardous geological landscape.
Call for Preparedness
With the increasing frequency of earthquakes and the activation of multiple fault lines, geologists urge authorities and the public to enhance preparedness measures. The warnings serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of seismic events and the need for vigilance in vulnerable areas like Kolkata and its surroundings.
